$$$, in fact, is right.
Also: A brief view into the mind of a DM (read: why I'm stalling).
There's a reason all trips have one (and only one) random encounter. It's BORING. We need to get some plot up in here. To be honest, the second I figure out how, I'm going to just straight up end this fight so we can move on. But I haven't figured out how yet. For one reason.
I've got a bit problem. Namely, the party hates each other. We've got splits up the whazoo, two new characters who became friends with Purity at the top of a magical dime, and a now mismatch in XP. But, contrary to popular belief, the latter was planned.
You see, Aira and Thrice hate each other with a passion and have way more XP than the rest of the party. What better solution to the problem is there than to force them on some arbitrary "getting to know each other" mission while the rest of you clowns get some experience? And I've already got the whole escapade planned (No $$$, you won't be missing out on fighting/role playing, and no Purity, you won't have to put up with him for too long), including a magical weapon for a special someone (or perhaps a magical armor. It depends upon... karma). And since I now know what's going to go on for the rest of the plot, I've just got one last problem to deal with.
Namely, this obnoxious random encounter. What follows is an optional coup de grace to end the fight. If you honestly want to keep fighting, I'll let you.
The shopkeep steps out from the woods, eyes aglow. He glances at the Havelock, who's handily made a copy of himself, and releases his charged spell with the words "greater fractal".
The ensuing swarm of 32 Havelock's easily overtake and demolish the remaining foes.
The shopkeep looks at you and shrugs. "My great grand-daddy worshiped the frog queen. So sue me."
Let's see:
250 x 4 = 1,000 EXP
25 x 3 = 75 EXP
100 x 3 = 300 EXP
50 x 7 = 350 EXP
Total EXP gained.... 1725 EXP!!!!!!!!! *mario fireworks*
Or split eight ways, 215 a piece. (You're welcome, people who wanted to level up).
Now, if this is acceptable, we can carry on the plot in thread numero four.
